The back story: The Appalachian Trail began as a vision for Benton MacKaye. It was developed by volunteers, and opened as a trail in 1937. It was designated as the first national scenic trail in 1968. The Trail is 2190 miles long through valleys, ridge crests from the Katahdin in Maine to Springer mountains in northern Georgia. The trail also passes through The Great Smoky Mountain National Park and Clingmans Dome.